We’ve all heard about Okishima, the famous cat island in Japan. When news of super typhoon Hagibis was going to hit it 2 weeks ago, many netizens expressed their worry about the helpless adorable cats there. Not long later, everyone breathed a sigh of relief because caretakers there made sure they were safe!
If you’ve always been keen to visit this cat island, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to fly 5,000+ kilometres just to do that, because there’s a little cat island in our neighbouring country, Singapore!
Source: Facebook
Known as St. John’s Island, this little island located southeast of Sentosa has its own family of cats running around!
During its prime days, there were a whopping 100 cats roaming about. However, currently it has 16 cats left. But no worries as there are more in its neighbouring island!
Source: Facebook
Why the decrease in population?
According to St. John’s Island Marine Laboratory‘s Facebook page, the drop in the cat population size in that island is due to SPCA’s successful sterilisation programme. The programme is done to ensure the island does not experience overpopulation of cats, which will then lead to other complications such as malnutrition and spreading of diseases.
Other than that, the island experienced a catnapping incident which saw 14 cats disappear in 2018! That’s a lot of them!
Source: Facebook
More kitties in next island which is reachable by foot!
Lazarus Island, which is located just 1.3km away from St John’s island is home to many adorable cats as well. It’s connected to St John’s Island and it’ll take only an approximate 18 minutes by foot.
Source: Facebook
Visitors can easily access the island
Now, if you’re keen to check this little cat island out, just purchase a ferry ticket at the terminal of Marina South Pier. It’s only a 30-45 minute ride and ticket prices are about RM55 per person.
Just remember to not feed the cats when you’re there because the caretakers want to make sure the cats are not overfed.
It goes without saying, while you visit the awesome cat island, be responsible and do not litter as it may be difficult to find trashbins around the island.
Register for FREE guided walks around St John’s Island
From time to time, St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory will organise guided walks FREE OF CHARGE!
This walk is amazing as it introduces participants to marine habitats in Singapore, the biodiversity and natural heritage, as well as provide an opportunity to visit SJINML, Singapore’s only offshore marine laboratory. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of otters and dolphins! Each guided walk session is open to a maximum of 40 people so keep an eye out for it. You can read more about it here.
Also read: Worst Storm In Japanese History Will Hit Okishima, an Island Inhabited Only by Cats
